Automatic steam bath washer and dryer apparatus



A. VIECELI Aug. 13, 1968 AUTOMATIC STEAM BATH WASHER AND DRYER APPARATUS 3 Sheets-Shem 1 Filed May 26. 1966 INVENTOR. ANGELO VIECELI M g WWW ATTORNEYS Aug. 13, 1968 A. VIECELI 3,396,411

AUTOMATIC STEAM BATH WASHER AND DRYER APPARATUS Filed May 26, 1966 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 4% 4342 40 1 2 23 4! j 7@ $7, H E-film ll W/ 46 A 45 MW 39 Q1, 5f s5- [I 6| -67 FIG.3.

INVENTOR. ANGELO VIECELI WZ7QZAZW ATTORNEYS Aug. 13, 1968 A. VIECELI Filed May 26, 1966 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 89 DOOR CLOSED 88 ED L POWER l ON 4e 45 '1 93 DRAIN I W I a? 99 82 I7 I rIT: I I 94 I t STEAM T M OISSEC i I8 j 97 I44 15 I /85 I SHOWER I I I I I 95 43 I f I TIMER I I 0-45 MIN I I I 98 96 I W J I..- IOI 55 SOAP IOO I05;

' BLOWER v MOTOR l"'"'" I HEATER INVENTOR. ANGELO VIECELI WzvQM ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,396,411 AUTOMATIC STEAM BATH WASHER AND DRYER APPARATUS Angelo Vieceii, 24429 Shadeland Drive, Newhall, Calif. 91321 Filed May 26, 1966, Ser. No. 553,196 6 Claims. (Cl. 4-164) This invention relates generally to a steam bath, Washer, and dryer apparatus and more particularly to an apparatus for performing these functions on a completely automatic basis.

The primary object of this invention is to provide an automatic apparatus in which a person may be seated to receive a steam bath, a washing operation, and then a drying operation in an automatically controlled sequence.

Another object is to provide an automatic apparatus in accordance with the preceding object in which the time of operation may be preselected.

Another object is to provide an automatic apparatus in which a washing and drying operation may be optionally selected with or without a preceding steam bath operation.

Another object is to provide an apparatus, in accordance with the preceding objects, including a self-cleaning means operable to clean the interior of the apparatus upon completion of the automatic operation of the apparatus.

Briefly, these and many other objects and advantages of this invention are attained by providing an apparatus embodied in a cabinet of sufiicient size to conveniently accommodate a person therein. Mounted within the cabinet is an outlet manifold system through which liquid may be sprayed on the person within the cabinet. Suitable water inlet means are coupled to the cabinet for conducting water under pressure to the manifold system.

The apparatus further includes a steam generating system which is coupled to the water inlet means for introducing steam into the cabinet. A soap dispensing means is coupled between the water inlet means and the manifold system such that liquid soap may be sprayed through the manifold system in accordance with a timed sequence upon completion of the steam generating cycle.

The invention further includes means for rinsing and then drying the body of the person in the cabinet after the above mentioned operations have been completed.

The apparatus is adapted to be controlled by an electrical control means by which the time of operation may be preselected. Moreover, the control means provides means by which the user may optionally select the washing and drying operation with or without a preceding steam bath operation.

Finally, the apparatus includes means by which the interior of the cabinet may be cleaned after use of the apparatus.

A better understanding of the invention will now be had by referring to a preferred embodiment thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which;

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus in accordance with the invention;

FIGURE 2 is a fragmentary perspective view of the apparatus of FIGURE 1 looking in the direction of arrow 2 in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a side elevation view, partly in crosssection, of the apparatus of the invention looking in the direction of arrow 3 in FIGURE 2; and,

FIGURE 4 is a schematic diagram of the electrical control means in accordance with the invention.

Referring now to FIGURE 1, the apparatus of the invention is illustrated and includes a cabinet having a door 11 on the front portion thereof hinged to a sidewall 12. The cabinet includes a top wall 13 having a gen- 3,396,411 Patented Aug. 13, 1968 erally U-shaped opening 14 defined therein to accommodate the neck and head of a person sitting within the cabinet.

A control housing 15 is positioned on the top wall 13 and, as shown, includes a start switch 16, a timer control dial 17, a steam-shower switch 18, and a cleaning control switch 19. The function and operation of the control means of the apparatus will become clearer in the subsequent description of the invention.

Referring now to FIGURES 2 and 3, it will be seen that the cabinet 10 further includes a second sidewall 20 in spaced relation to the sidewall 12. The sidewalls 12 and 20 are interconnected by means of a rear wall 21 and a bottom wall 22 extending therebetween. It will thus be seen that the walls of the cabinet define a substantially completely enclosed chamber of sufficient size to accommodate a person to be seated therein.

The apparatus may include suitable means upon which a person may be comfortably seated within the cabinet. Toward that end a support post 23 extends upwardly from the bottom wall 22 and includes an adjustable seat 24 secured thereon.

The apparatus includes a pair of outlet manifolds 25 and 26 respectively being disposed on opposite sides of the cabinet. As shown in FIGURES 2 and 3, the outlet manifold 26 includes a bottom pipe 27 being coupled to an upwardly extending front pipe 28 at one end thereof. The other end of the bottom pipe 27 is coupled to an upright rear pipe 29. The pipes 28 and 29 are coupled by means of a top pipe shown at 30.

In order that fluid may be sprayed into the cabinet, the manifold 26 is provided with a plurality of adjustably mounted spray nozzles shown at 31. The spray nozzles 31 of the manifold system are preferably adjustably mounted such that the person using the apparatus may direct the spray in directions as desired. It will be understood that the structural arrangement of the manifold 25 is exactly the same as that above described with reference to the manifold 26.

The manifolds 25 and 26 are interconnected by means of a first lateral pipe 32 disposed near the bottom of the cabinet adjacent to the rear wall 21. A vertical pipe 33 is coupled to the first lateral pipe 32 and extends upwardly therefrom along the rear wall 21 into coupled relationship with a second lateral pipe 34 which extends in generally parallel relation to the first lateral pipe 32.

A means for introducing water under pressure into the apparatus includes Water inlet pipes 35 and 36 being coupled respectively to the lateral pipe 34. The pipes 35 and 36 may constitute the inlets for hot water and cold water respectively. The flow of water into the pipes 35 and 36 is adapted to be controlled by hand-controlled valves 37 and 38 mounted on the pipes 35 and 36, respectively.

One of the important features of the invention resides in the provision of a steam generating means for introducing steam into the cabinet. Toward that end there is provided a water container 39 coupled to the lateral pipe 34 by means of a water fill pipe 40. As best shown in FIGURE 3, the flow of water into the water container 39 is adapted to be controlled by a water fill control unit 41 mounted on the fill pipe 40. The control unit 41 includes a valve 42 and an intercoupled solenoid 43 Which is adapted to be electrically coupled to the control unit 15 by means of lead wires shown at 44.

As shown in FIGURE 3, Water within the Water container 39 is adapted to be heated to boiling by means of an immersion heater 45 coupled to the container 39. The heater 45 is adapted to be electrically controlled through lead wires 46 coupled to the control unit 15. Upon heating the water within the container 39, steam is allowed to escape from the container into the cabinet through a steam outlet pipe shown at 47. The control and operation of the above described steam generating means will become clearer in the subsequent description of the control means of the apparatus.

As best shown in FIGURE 2, a further feature of the invention resides in the provision of a liquid soap dispensing means adapted to dispense soap into the manifolds 25 and 26. Toward that end there is provided a soap distribution pipe 48 coupled between an end of the lateral pipe 34 and extending downwardly into coupled relation with the lateral pipe 32. A liquid soap container 49 is mounted on the pipe 48 by means of a bracket 50. A suction tube 51 extends from within the container 49 into coupled relationship with the pipe 34 by means of a tube coupling 52. The suction tube 51 and coupling 52 are designed to co-function with the pipe 34 such that flow of water through the pipe 34 will draw the liquid soap from the container 49 through the suction tube 51 by means of suction.

The flow of water through the pipe 34 into the pipe 48 and then into the manifolds 25 and 26 is controlled by means of a soap control unit shown at 53. The control unit 53 includes a valve 54 coupled to a solenoid 55. The solenoid 55 is adapted to be electrically coupled to the control unit 15 by means of lead wires 56. It will thus be apparent that upon actuation of the control unit 53, the water will flow through the pipe 34 thereby drawing liquid soap from the container 49 through the suction tube 51 to, in turn, be dispensed with the water flowing from the pipe 48 into the manifolds 25 and 26.

The invention further includes means for providing a rinsing operation upon completion of the operation of the above described soap dispensing means. Toward that end there is provided a rinse control unit 57 mounted on the vertical pipe 33. As in the case of the above described control unit 53, the control unit 57 includes a valve 58 coupled to a solenoid 59. The solenoid 59 is adapted to be electrically coupled to the control housing 15 by means of lead wires 60. As will become clear in the subsequent description of the control means of the apparatus, actuation of the control unit 57 to open the valve 58 will accordingly permit water to flow under pressure through the pipe 33 into the lateral pipe 32 and then into the manifolds 25 and 26.

The invention includes means for drying the body of the person using the apparatus upon completion of the operation of the above described soaping and rinsing system, Toward that end an air blower 61 is mounted within the cabinet and is adapted to be operated by an electric motor 62. The motor 62 is electrically coupled to the control means within the control housing by means of lead wires shown at 63. The air blower 61 includes an air outlet conduit 64 through which air is directed from the blower into the interior of the cabinet.

A means for heating the air emitted from the air blower 61 includes an air heater 65 coupled to the outlet conduit 64. The air heater 65 is electrically coupled to the control means by means of lead wires shown at 66. It will thus be apparent that operation of the air blower 61 causes heated air to flow into the interior of the cabinet thereby drying the body of the user.

The apparatus of the invention includes means by which the interior of the cabinet may be cleaned after use to remove soap film and odors. Toward that end, there is provided a fluid distribution pipe 67 coupled to an end of the lateral pipe 34 and extending downwardly into coupled relationship with the lateral pipe 32. A con tainer 68 for a suitable cleaning fluid is coupled to the pipe 67 by a bracket 69. In a manner similar to the above described soap dispensing means, the cleaning fluid dispensing means includes a suction tube 70 extending from within the container 68 into coupled relation with the lateral pipe 34 by means of a tube coupling member 71. Flow of water through the pipe 34 into the pipe 67 will draw the cleaning fluid from the container 68 upwardly 4 through the suction tube and then the cleaning fluid and water will flow through the lateral pipe 32 into the manifolds 25 and 26 and into the cabinet through the spray nozzles 31.

The flow of the cleaning fluid and water as above described is adapted to be. controlled by a control unit 72 mounted on the pipe 34. The control unit 72 includes a valve 73 coupled to a solenoid 74. Suitable lead wires 75 are provided to electrically couple the solenoid 74 to the switch 19 mounted on the control housing 15 (FIG- URE 1). Accordingly, the above described cleaning fluid dispensing means is operable in response to actuation of the switch 19.

The invention includes means for protecting portions of the apparatus against contact with steam and liquid within the cabinet. Towardthat end there is provided a cover 76 disposed within the cabinet and having a front wall 77 and a top wall 78. The front wall 77 includes openings for receiving the steam outlet pipe 47 andthe air outlet conduit 64. The top wall 78 is disposed such that the operating handles of the valves 37 and 38 are conveniently accessible to the person within the cabinet. Thus the person may readily control the temperature of the water entering the cabinet through the inlet pipes 35 and 36.

Referring still to FIGURES 2 and 3, the cabinet 10 is provided with a drain assembly 79 adapted to be connected to a suitable drain pipe (not shown). As best shown in FIGURE 3, the drain assembly includes a valve 80 coupled to a solenoid 81 for operating the valve. The solenoid 81 is. electrically coupled to the control means within the control housing 15 by means of lead wires shown at 82. The drain assembly 79 is adapted to be closed during the steam bath cycle and is then adapted to be opened during the subsequent cycles in the operation of the apparatus.

The apparatus of the invention is adapted to be electrically powered. Toward that end a conventional power plug 83 is coupled to the control housing 15 for insertion into a standard 110 volt outlet.

Referring now to FIGURE 4, the control means of the invention will be described. Power lines 84 and 85 are connected to the plug 83, with the power line 85 connected to ground as shown. A door operated switch 86 is in series with the powerline 84 for movement between open and closed positions in response to opening and closing of the door 11 of the cabinet 10 (FIGURE 1).

The start switch 16 is connected to the power line 84 in series with the door switch 86. A cycle switch 87 and a holding solenoid 88 are connected in series between the powerlines 84 and 85 by a line 89. The solenoid 88 is mechanically coupled to the switch 16 for holding it in the on position when the solenoid 88 is energized. The light L is connected into the circuit 'by line 90 as shown.

The steam-shower switch 18 is connected to the end of the powerline 84, and when positioned as shown, con tacts a steam terminal 91. The terminal 91 is connected to the drain solenoid. 81 through the lead wire 82 and t0 the water heater 45 through the lead wire 46 thus connecting the heater 45 and solenoid 81 in parallel.

A thermal sensitive control 92 is connected in parallel with the heater 45 and is mechanically coupled to a switch 93 for opening and closing the same to control the heater 45.

A timer 94 is connected to the terminal 91 for operating a switch 95 to accordingly operate the water fill solenoid 43 for a preselected time The circuit further includes a timer 96 connected through the switch 95 to the terminal 91. The timer 96 is mechanically coupled to the steam-shower switch 18 for throwing the switch 18 to a shower terminal 97 upon completion of the steam generating phase of operation. The time of operation of the timers 94.and 96 is pre-selected by means of the intercoupled time set dial 17.

1 The'circuit for controlling the washing and'drying operations includes a motor 98 connected :to the shower terminal 97. The motor 98 is mechanically coupled to the cycle switch 87 and to a switch 99 for driving these switches in unison. The switches 87 and 99 are electrically connected through a power lead 100.

The motor driven switch 99 includes terminal segments for sequentially actuating a series of operations upon completion of the steam generating phase. Toward that end, the switch 99 includes a soap segment 101 connected to the solenoid 55 through the lead wire 56. A rinse segment 102 is connected to the solenoid 59 through the lead wire 60. The switch 99 further includes a second soap segment 103 and a second rinse segment 104 connected respectively to the solenoids 55 and 59. Lastly, the switch 99 includes a dryer segment 105 connected by a lead wire 106 to the blower motor 62 and air heater 65. As shown, the blower motor 62 and heater 65 are connected in parallel to the lead wire 106 through the lead wires 63 and 66 respectively.

Referring to the top portion of FIGURE 4, it will be seen that the switch 19 and the solenoid 74, which control the flow of cleaning fluid into the cabinet, are con nected across the power lines 84 and 85 by the lead wire 75.

In operation, the switch 18 is set to the steam position or to the shower position to provide a steam bath, a shower, and dryer operation, or merely the shower and dryer operation at the option of the user. Assuming that the steam bath operation is chosen, the switch 18 will be set to contact the steam terminal 91 as shown in FIG- URE 4.

The total time of operation is selected by setting the time set dial 17 to accordingly set the timer 96 to operate up to a maximum of 45 minutes. The setting of the time dial 17 also sets the time of operation of the timer 94 in proportion to the time set on the timer 96. Thus for example, setting the timer 96 for operation through 45 minutes will accordingly set the timer 94 for operation through seconds.

The start switch 16 is moved to the on position and when the door is closed to close the switch 86, it will be seen that the solenoid 88 and light L will be energized. The solenoid 88 will then hold the switch 16 in the on position.

With the steam-shower switch 18 positioned as shown, it will be apparent that when the switches 16 and 86 are closed, the water heater 45 will be operated and the drain assembly 79 (FIGURE 3) will be closed by the drain solenoid 81. At the same time, the timer 94 Will close the switch 95 to operate the water fill solenoid 43 to open the valve 42 (FIGURE 3). As best shown in FIGURE 3, water will then flow through the pipe into the water container 39 during the time period set for the operation of the timer 94. The switch 95 will then be opened by the timer 94 to accordingly de-energize the solenoid 43 to stop the flow of water into the container 39.

The water heater will heat the water within the container 39, from which steam will be emitted into the cabinet through the outlet pipe 47. The time of operation of the steam generating phase is controlled by the timer 96 which is actuated when the timer 94 closes the switch 95 as above described.

Upon completion of the operation of the timer 96, the switch 18 will then be thrown by the timer into contact with the shower terminal 97. This will de-energize the water heater 45 and the drain solenoid 81, to accordingly stop the generation of steam and open the drain valve 80 (FIGURE 3). The control means is thus actuated to begin the washing and drying operations which will now be described.

The motor 98 is energized to drive the switches 87 and 99 through their respective cycles simultaneously. The switch 99 will rotate clockwise from the off position shown to then contact the soap segment 101 for a period of 15 6 seconds. The soap solenoid is thus energized to open the valve 54 (FIGURE 2). As shown in FIGURE 2, water will then flow through the pipe 34 drawing liquid soap from the container 49 through the suction tube 51 into the pipes 34 and 48. The soap-water mixture then flows through the pipe 32 into the manifolds 25 and 26 and then into the cabinet through the spray nozzles 31. It will of course be apparent that the soap dispensing operation will terminate as the switch 99 rotates out of contact with the segment 101.

As the switch 99 continues its clockwise rotation it will next contact the rinse segment 102 for a period of 15 seconds. The rinse solenoid 59 is thus energized to open the valve 58 (FIGURE 2). As shown in FIGURE 2,

water will then flow through the pipe 33 into the pipe I 32 and then into the manifolds 25 and 26. The water will then issue from the spray nozzles 31 into the interior of the cabinet.

It will be apparent that the above soap and rinsing operations will be repeated in sequence as the switch 99 rotates in contact with the terminal segment 103 and 104 respectively.

The final step in the automatic operation of the invention provides a drying operation. As shown in FIGURE 4, the blower motor 62 and air heater 65 are connected in parallel and, in turn, are connected to the terminal segment 105 through a lead wire 106. Accordingly, it will be apparent that the switch 99 will rotate in contact with the terminal segment 105 to operate the blower motor 62 and air heater 65 for a pro-selected time period. This time period may be approximately seconds. It will be apparent that during this time the blower motor 62 will actuate the blower 61, and the air heater will heat the air issuing into the cabinet through the air outlet conduit 64. Accordingly, dry heated air will be circulated within the cabinet to dry the body of the user.

As heretofore mentioned, the motor 98 drives the switches 87 and 99 simultaneously such that each switch will rotate into its respective otf gap at the same time. The rotation of the switch 87 into its off gap will deenergize the solenoid 88 to accordingly throw the switch 16 into the off position. Operation of the apparatus is thus automatically terminated. In practice the inertia in the motor 98 carries the cycle switch 87 through the ofl gap and onto the on segment as shown, preparatory to a subsequent operation.

As above mentioned, the apparatus may provide a washing and drying operation without a preceding steam bath operation, if desired. The user merely sets the steamshower switch 18 into contact with the shower terminal 97, thereby actuating the control means to provide the washing and drying operations as above described.

After completion of the automatic operation of the apparatus, the interior of the cabinet may be sprayed with the cleaning fluid and water mixture. As shown in FIGURE 4, when the door is closed to close the switch 86, the switch 19 may then be closed to actuate the solenoid 74. Referring to FIGURE 2, the solenoid 74 opens the valve 73 to permit water under pressure to flow through the pipe 34, drawing the cleaning fluid into the pipe 34 through the suction tube 70. The water and cleaning fluid then flow through the pipes 67 and 32 into the manifolds 25 and 26 and then into the cabinet through the spray nozzles 31.

From the foregoing it is apparent that this invention provides an automatic apparatus for performing the described operations in accordance with a pre-selected time period. Moreover, the apparatus permits the selection of a washing and drying operation with or without a preceding steam bath operation.

Various changes following within the scope and spirit of this invention will occur to those skilled in the art. The apparatus is therefore not to be thought of as limited to the specific embodiment set forth.

What is claimed is:

1. An automatic steam bath, washer, and dryer apparatus, comprising in combination: cabinet means in which a person may be seated; outlet manifold means in said cabinet for spraying liquid on a person within the cabinet; water inlet means coupled to said manifold means for conducting water under pressure to said manifold means during a first predetermined time period; steam generating means in said cabinet coupled to said water inlet means for introducing steam to said manifold means during a second predetermined time period; and electrical control means coupled to said inlet means and said steam generating means for sequentially operating said steam generating means and said inlet means on a pre-selected timed basis defining said first and second predetermined time periods, whereby said inlet means is operable to conduct water to said manifold means in response to completion of the operation of said steam generating means.

2. The subject matter of claim 1, in which said control means includes electrically operated valve means coupled to said inlet means for controlling the flow of water to said manifold means and said steam generating means, said control means further including timer means electrically coupled to said valve means for operating the same on a pre-selected timed basis.

3. The subject matter of claim 1, including soap dispensing means coupled to said water inlet means for dispensing soap to said manifold means in response to flow of water through said inlet means to said manifold; and valve means in said inlet means proximate to said soap dispensing means for operating the same, said valve means being electrically coupled to said control means for operation by said control means on a preselected timed basis.

means for operation by said control means on a timed basis in response to completion of operation of said Water inlet means.

6. The subject matter of claim 5, in which said dryer means includes a blower for circulating air within said cabinet, and heater means coupled to said blower for heating the air from said blower.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 363,423 5/1887 Schoenecker l28371 421,294 2/1890 Lyke 128366 910,381 1/1909 Hermann 4164 2,303,465 12/1942 Howard 4164 2,406,222 8/ 1946 Howard 4164 2,551,552 5/1951 Wahl 4164 2,725,577 12/1955 Howard 4-164 3,007,178 11/1961 Altman et al. 4-161 3,290,697 12/1966 Anderson et al. 4-161 LAVERNE D. GEIGER, Primary Examiner. H. K. ARTIS, Assistant Examiner. 

1. AN AUTOMATIC STEAM BATH, WASHER, AND DRYER APPARATUS, COMPRISING IN COMBINATION: CABINET MEANS IN WHICH A PERSON MAY BE SEATED; OUTLET MANIFOLD MEANS IN SAID CABINET FOR SPRAYING LIQUID ON A PERSON WITHIN THE CABINET; WATER INLET MEANS COUPLED TO SAID MANIFOLD MEANS FOR CONDUCTING WATER UNDER PRESSURE TO SAID MANIFOLD MEANS DURING A FIRST PREDETERMINED TIME PERIOD; STEAM GENERATING MEANS IN SAID CABINET COUPLED TO SAID WATER INLET MEANS FOR INTRODUCING STEAM TO SAID MANIFOLD MEANS DURING A SECOND PREDETERMINED TIME PERIOD; SAID ELECTRICAL CONTROL MEANS COUPLED TO SAID INLET MEANS AND SAID STEAM GENERATING MEANS FOR SEQUENTIALLY OPERATING SAID STEAM GENERATING MEANS AND SAID INLET MEANS ON A PRE-SELECTED TIMED BASIS DEFINING SAID FIRST AND SECOND PREDETERMINED TIME PERIODS, WHEREBY SAID INLET MEANS IS OPERABLE TO CON- 